Fort Sumter Tour

DEPARTING DAILY FROM DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON OR MT. PLEASANT

Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized National Park Service concessioner. We provide the only commercial boat transportation to Fort Sumter. We offer many departure times daily from two convenient locations, Liberty Square, downtown Charleston, or Patriots Point, in Mt. Pleasant.

Once aboard, you will experience a relaxing 30 minute cruise to historic Fort Sumter. You will learn about the events which led to the outbreak of America’s most bloody war (click here for narration). When you arrive you will be greeted by National Park Service Rangers, who will provide further details about Fort Sumter and its pivotal role in the American Civil War. After your roughly one hour visit, you will enjoy a soothing cruise back to your departure point.

Please do not hesitate to call us at 843-722-2628 with any questions regarding wheelchair accessibility. The 3:30pm departure from Patriots Point will make a brief interim stop at Liberty Square before and after the Fort Tour.  

Please note: Restrooms and water are available on the boat and boat will remain at the dock during your visit.  All Visitors are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines with regards to COVID.

Please note, boats will depart promptly!  

Fort Sumter Tours tickets are 100% refundable if cancelled 2 hours in advance of the departure time. If tickets are cancelled less than 2 hours from departure time they are non-refundable.  Rates & times are subject to availability and change without notice.  

The America the Beautiful Interagency Federal Recreation Lands Pass, frequently referred to as the National Parks passes do not apply to the ferry fee.  This includes the Interagency Senior, Access, Military, 4th Grade Pass and Annual passes.

Fort Sumter Tours will cruise in most weather conditions all-year round. The Charleston area experiences a high number of lightning strikes during the summer. Know the latest weather conditions and seek safe shelter in the event of lightning or thunder. Lightning identified within 10 miles of Fort Sumter will prompt the closure of the observation deck, and visitors are advised to shelter in the fort’s museum or on the ferry. The National Park Service and Fort Sumter Tours will inform visitors when there is a possibility that storms may impact the length of time people can spend at the fort. More weather information can be found on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/fosu.

Fort Sumter Tour is a boat excursion. Due to changing weather and tide conditions, Fort Sumter Tours cannot and does not guarantee accessibility. The Liberty Square boarding ramp can accommodate electric & manual wheelchairs and scooters except in extreme tide situations. The Patriot’s Point can not currently accommodate wheelchairs or scooters. To ensure that your visit will be fully accessible, we recommend that you contact Fort Sumter Tours on the day of your visit at (843) 722-2628.

Fort Sumter has limited accessibility for the disabled and those with mobility issues. There is no Elevator Service at Fort Sumter – the museum, restrooms, bookstore and top level of Fort Sumter are only accessible by climbing stairs. Although the restrooms on Fort Sumter are accessible only by climbing a flight of stairs the tour boat remains at the Fort so that restrooms on the boat are available during your visit. The tour boats are equipped with an elevator/lift and handicapped accessible restrooms. Please visit the National Park Service page (click here) for further details.

No concealed weapons are allowed on any of the vessels that Fort Sumter Tours operates.  Use of drones on any of our vessels is strictly prohibited.